CHAPTER 144: I APPRECIATE YOUR HELP

"The press announcement has already been released from Hugo Bennett’s end," Henry reported, glancing at the backseat.

Daniel sat there, relaxed yet composed — his expression unreadable as the city lights streaked past the car window. He’d forced Hugo’s hand earlier, ensuring the man would finally acknowledge Anna before the world. It had been a calculated move, and it worked.

But even after winning that battle, something about it didn’t sit right.

"Henry," Daniel said after a pause, his voice low and measured. "Any update from Katherine’s side?"

"For now, nothing," Henry replied. "But our men are on alert."

Daniel gave a short nod, his eyes narrowing slightly.

Something didn’t add up. Hugo’s sudden compliance — his shift from years of denial to a public confession — didn’t feel natural. It wasn’t remorse or pride that drove him. Daniel knew that man too well. There was something else at play.

"Boss," Henry ventured cautiously, noticing his superior lost in thought, "have you informed Madam about who leaked her identity?"

Daniel’s gaze flickered toward him, and for a moment, the silence stretched. Then, the corner of his lips lifted in that familiar, knowing smirk.

"She’s smart enough to have already figured it out," Daniel said, leaning back with quiet pride.

Henry blinked, momentarily thrown off by his tone. He wasn’t sure what surprised him more was Daniel’s calmness or that faint glimmer of admiration in his voice.

***

[Back inside the room]

"Florest123..." Anna murmured, staring at her phone screen. "Why does that name sound familiar?"

It was the username of the account that had exposed her — or at least one connected to the leak.

Though she hadn’t responded directly to her online stalker, DarkKnight_07, she couldn’t deny he’d helped her by revealing clues. But this username — this Florest123 — it stuck with her. Something about it nagged at the back of her mind.

Just as she was about to look further, her phone buzzed again.

A new message — from Shawn.

Shawn: It’s someone who was recently active in Fiona’s fan club.

Anna’s brows knitted. That one line was all she needed to confirm her suspicions.

"Of course," she muttered, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Why is it always her?"

Her pulse quickened with irritation. She’d gone out of her way to avoid Fiona, to keep things professional and civil. But if Fiona wanted to play dirty by meddling with her personal life again then fine. Anna knew exactly how to handle her.

Her fingers flew across the screen as she typed a reply to Shawn.

Anna: Check how many dummy accounts she’s running under her fan club. I want a full list.

Before waiting for his reply, she opened another chat — the one she’d been reluctant to touch.

DarkKnight_07.

Her finger hesitated for a split second before typing.

Anna: Why are you doing this? I’m sure it’s not just out of kindness.

She hit send and waited.

If there was one thing she’d learned about DarkKnight_07, it was that he always replied quickly — as though he’d been waiting for her.

A few moments later, her phone pinged again.

DarkKnight_07: You still don’t understand, or is this your way of avoiding thanking me?

Anna rolled her eyes, exhaling sharply.

"Why is everyone so desperate for a thank you?" she muttered to herself.

First Ethan, now this anonymous stalker.

If this was the universe’s way of testing her patience — it was definitely succeeding.

"Okay now, don’t sulk," came the next message.

Anna blinked, staring at her phone in disbelief.

Wait a second... how did he know I was sulking?

Her eyes darted around the room instinctively, scanning the corners as a ridiculous thought crossed her mind.

"No way," she muttered under her breath. "If Daniel ever installed cameras in here, he’d face death very soon."

Shaking off the uneasiness creeping up her spine, she typed back:

Anna: Hahaha, very funny.

She didn’t usually entertain strangers — especially online ones — but somehow, this stalker of hers had lasted longer than she expected. Still, one thing was clear: he wasn’t one of Fiona’s crazy fans.

Almost immediately, another message popped up.

DarkKnight_07: So, have you decided whether or not we should become friends? Because if you’re still contemplating, I might have to work harder. Poor me.

Anna groaned out loud, cringing at the dramatic tone and that pitiful crying emoji.

"Oh god... what is wrong with this guy?" she muttered, rubbing her temple. "Why is he acting all cheeky now?"

Her fingers hovered over the keyboard as she debated how to respond.

Anna: I’m still thinking about it, but...

She hesitated, her thumb hovering above the send button. Maybe she should just thank him. After all, he had helped her find the lead she needed.

Finally, she typed:

Anna: I appreciate your help. So... thank you.

She hit send and waited.

A minute passed. Then two.

Her screen showed the blue tick — message seen — but no reply.

"Hmm? Did he just ghost me?" she muttered, frowning.

Meanwhile, inside the car, Daniel sat in the backseat staring at his phone as if the world had stopped moving.

Henry glanced at him through the rearview mirror, instantly sensing something odd. Daniel wasn’t usually this still — or this quiet.

"Boss... a-are you alright?" Henry asked cautiously.

Daniel blinked, slowly looking up from his screen, his voice oddly soft. "Henry... my wife just thanked me."

Henry blinked, confused. "I—what?"

Daniel leaned back, his lips curving into a disbelieving smile. "Does this mean we’re finally friends?"

From the front seat, the driver choked on his own breath, coughing violently. "Ahem—s-sorry, sir!" he stammered, turning his gaze back to the road when Henry shot him a warning look.

Henry, however, couldn’t hold back a grin. The usually stoic Daniel Clafford looked like a man who’d just been handed the world.

"Boss," Henry said with a teasing glint in his eyes, "I think she finally sees you as one."

Daniel should have glared at him — he normally would have — but this time, he didn’t.

Instead, he simply smiled, quietly rereading the message on his phone, as if savoring every word.

Henry leaned back, shaking his head with amusement.

He’d seen his boss furious, ruthless, cold... but this?

This was new.

And the smile that stayed on Daniel’s face all the way home said only one thing — for the first time in a long time, Daniel Claffor was happy.